Valentine's Day Spa Therapy

One of our Premier IPCs, Peggy Langenwalter, shared some fabulous tips on "How to Be Your Own Best Valentine" using dōTERRA essential oils. Thanks for sharing, Peggy!

Spa Therapy

Meditation Blend (for ultimate relaxation)
3 drops frankincense
1 drop myrrh
1 drop sandalwood
1 drop cinnamon bark

Meditation Blend can be modified according to personal preference. The more drops of oil in the diffuser, the stronger the aroma.

Blissful Bath (for a sensational soak in the tub!)

Fill tub with hot water.
In container put 2-4 cups baking soda and
2-4 cups dōTERRA Bath Salts, Epsom salt, or other salts
Add 5-10 drops dōTERRA essential oil(s) of choice to salts

Pour mixture into tub.
Slide in and relax, breathing deeply to enjoy the calming vapors
Soak for 20-30 minutes.

Some oils to consider: lavender, geranium, Citrus Bliss, Elevation, Serenity, ylang ylang, frankincense, myrrh, sandalwood, grapefruit, lemongrass, peppermint, Wild Orange, Aroma Touch, and Balance. Whisper and clary sage are especially helpful for relief of monthly discomfort.

Note: there may be oils that are too hot or strong for sensitive areas. Avoid these oils or use in very small amounts.

I Love My Thighs Application (anti-dimples, anyone? :)

Pour dōTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil in palm of hand (approximately ½ Tablespoon).
Add 3-5 drops citrus oils: lemon and grapefruit, Wild Orange and cypress, or combination of your own creation.

After showering or bathing, pat dry. While thighs are still hydrated and warm from shower or bath, smooth on oil blend. It may take two applications per thigh. Smooth upward toward groin.

Citrus oils are pressed from the rind and are excellent for improving circulation and lymph flow, and for helping rid the body of excess fluid.

Happy Hair Blend (for a great scalp and hair treatment)

Warm ¼ Cup dōTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil
Add 2-5 drops lavender
Add 2-5 drops rosemary

Massage into hair and scalp, wrap in towel or plastic for 10 minutes. Shampoo and rinse.
Essential oils can also be added to shampoo or conditioner. Oils to consider are lavender, rosemary, geranium, and peppermint. Peppermint spritzed on the scalp is especially refreshing on hot summer days.

Fun for My Feet Treatment

Soak feet in warm water with 5-10 drops lavender and melaleuca for 10 minutes. Massage warm, moist feet with dōTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil and essential oils of your choice.

Lavender 101

If you're new to the concept of self-care, you may be wondering, "Where do I begin?"

A great place to start is by making sure you're getting enough sleep. Wikipedia reports that sleep deprivation may lead to depression, weight gain or loss, irritability, and other health problems.

Lavender essential oil is perfect for helping you get a peaceful night's sleep. Lavender is well documented as a stress reducer and sleep inducer. Its pleasant and calming aroma helps your body and mind relax. dōTERRA's CPTG lavender essential oil is 100% pure and natural, so it's safe and simple to use.

1. Enjoy an aromatic bath with lavender essential oil. Add 6-12 drops of lavender oil and 1/2 cup bath salts to hot water in a tub. The salts will relax the muscles and the oil will soothe and nourish your skin.



2. Diffuse lavender in your bedroom and play soft music to unwind before bedtime. Breathing the aroma will help everyone in your home relax and is a calming influence in any environment.



3. Apply a drop or two of lavender essential oil on the back of the neck or massage on the bottom of the feet.

Be good to yourself with lavender essential oil. You'll sleep better and wake up refreshed and ready to enjoy a new day!

Take Time for Self-Care in 2009

This past weekend I was determined to take some time to slow down and practice self-care, so I enjoyed a pedicure with my favorite essential oils. Spa treatments, whether at home or at a spa, are a great way to pamper yourself and transport you to a state of bliss. But they're also a great way to improve your health and well-being.

Many of us could enjoy better health by reducing stress. Stress can wreak havoc on our bodies in the form of weight gain, emotional overload, and lack of sleep. In this month's issue of O, The Oprah Magazine, Oprah revealed how stress has affected her health:

"What I've learned this year is that my weight issue isn't about eating less or working out harder, or even about a malfunctioning thyroid. It's about my life being out of balance, with too much work and not enough play, not enough time to calm down. I let the well run dry.

In 2009, dare I, dare all of us give ourselves all the love and care we need to be healthy, to be well, and to be whole? I know for sure that for each moment of this brand new year, I'm gonna try."

So this year, be sure to surround yourself with the aromas of essentials oils, and take time for self-care with pampering treatments using dōTERRA's certified pure therapeutic-grade essential oils. Your body, and mind, will thank you for it!